Paul Westerberg
14 Songs

I have the good habit of jotting down my pages on the fly, sometimes without even listening to the work to be analyzed.

I act on instinct, entering my "writing trance" that allows me to draft the page in just a few dozen minutes.

With Paul, it wasn't so easy to decide to get started. For weeks, 14 Songs remained in its case on top of the stereo; I was undecided about what to do. Should I write it, should I not...where do I start, where do I begin...and in the meantime, I published at least twenty other reviews on the site.

Paul's hands have almost grown tired of holding that book that dominates the cover image.

In the morning, the so-called spring was triggered, a light went on upon realizing, unfortunately, that only one single in-depth analysis of Paul is present on Debaser. I’m referring to Stereo. Allow me at this point a brief and unusual for me note of criticism: there are dozens of records reviewed here multiple times (just look at the Zeppelin discography). And we must immediately then note that such a great character, extraordinarily important for the alternative music of the 80s like the former Replacements leader, does not have the right consideration. A mystery...

Now it is time to fill this inconceivable gap.

We are in 1993; the splendid career of the already mentioned Replacements has ended two years prior (repeat, my dear self, no harm in it!!!). The "outcast" cousins of the Husker Du (AZZ...) bid us farewell in 1990 with the varying All Shock Down, credited by many as Westerberg's first solo record, considering that the other three members of the band had a marginal role in the recordings. Instead, I still consider it an album of the former terrible boys of Minneapolis since it was still released under their name.

Let's return now to 14 Songs produced by Paul with the aid of Matt Wallace; many guests were involved in creating a successful album that confirms him as one of the best authors of his generation.

A work with a beautiful Rocker drive, with Folk deviations and splashes as intense as they are unexpected, particularly in its last part.

"Knockin on Mine" is a dynamic start, full throttle, which positions itself halfway between the street-savvy Boss and the Stones; the sincere delicacy of "First Glimmer" with a chorus I've had in my head for ages and, fortunately, won't leave me. The romantic ballad with shaded rustic hues of the beautiful "Runaway Wind" complete with a misty video clip; the light and lovable Acoustic - Pop of "Dice Behind Your Shades" where one is accompanied and taken by the hand during the listening by ethereal and enveloping female choirs.

One continues, intoxicated and totally captivated by the raw and overpowering Rock - Blues of "Silver Naked Ladies" which relies on fiery keyboard and guitar solos to step up the tone. Thus, we get close to the end and to the homage to his old Mats (as the Replacements were called by fans); he hits us in the face with the similar and vigorous "Something is Me" and especially "Down Love." Paul’s Punk spirit comes out once more, just like in the days of the boys who very often, much to their parents' dismay, forgot to take out the trash!!!

Ad Maiora.